Finbar Group announces a strategic leadership shift with John Chan moving to Non-Executive Chair and Melissa Chan appointed Executive Director and COO, marking a new chapter for the property developer.
- John Chan transitions from Executive Chair to Non-Executive Chair effective 2 March 2026
- Melissa Chan appointed Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer from 2 March 2026
- John Chan remains a substantial shareholder and eligible for a pro-rata bonus for FY26
- Melissa Chan brings 25+ years’ real estate and operational experience, including Lendlease US tenure
- Board renewal aligns with Finbar’s long-term growth and governance strategy
Leadership Transition at Finbar
Finbar Group Limited (ASX:FRI), a leading Western Australian apartment developer, has announced a significant change in its board leadership. John Chan, a founding figure and Executive Chair since 2010, will step down from his executive role to become Non-Executive Chair effective 2 March 2026. This move is part of the company’s broader board renewal and succession planning efforts.
Mr Chan’s tenure at Finbar spans over three decades, having joined the board in 1995 and playing a pivotal role in the company’s strategic direction and growth. His leadership saw Finbar through its successful ASX re-listing and sustained expansion, underpinned by disciplined capital management and a focus on long-term shareholder value.
Melissa Chan’s Appointment and Expertise
Simultaneously, Melissa Chan has been appointed as an Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, also effective 2 March 2026. She will relinquish her current role as alternate director to John Chan. With over 25 years of professional experience, including 19 years in real estate, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise in land acquisition, property development, urban regeneration, and investment across Australia, the US, and the UK.
Her previous role as Commercial Director at Lendlease in the United States involved overseeing financial and commercial performance of major projects nationwide. At Finbar, she currently leads operational execution and corporate strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, risk management, and stakeholder value.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The board’s decision reflects a thoughtful succession plan, ensuring continuity while injecting fresh operational leadership at the executive level. John Chan’s transition to Non-Executive Chair allows him to concentrate on strategic oversight and governance, leveraging his deep company knowledge without the day-to-day operational demands.
Meanwhile, Melissa Chan’s elevation to the board signals confidence in her ability to steer Finbar’s operational and strategic initiatives forward. Her remuneration package includes a fixed salary of $415,500 plus eligibility for bonuses, aligning her incentives with company performance.
John Chan will remain a substantial shareholder and eligible for a pro-rata bonus for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, underscoring his ongoing commitment to Finbar’s success.
Bottom Line?
Finbar’s leadership refresh sets the stage for a new era of strategic focus and operational execution.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Melissa Chan’s operational leadership influence Finbar’s upcoming projects and growth trajectory?
- What strategic priorities will John Chan focus on as Non-Executive Chair?
- Will this leadership transition impact Finbar’s capital management or shareholder returns in the near term?